PDP can’t challenge Tinubu with Wike as national leader, party chieftain warns

A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dan Ulasi, has voiced strong reservations about the party's chances in the upcoming 2027 general elections, specifically citing the leadership role of Nyesom Wike as a major impediment. Ulasi declared that the PDP, in its current configuration, stands little chance of unseating President Bola Tinubu if Wike continues to hold sway as the party's national leader. His concerns stem from what he perceives as a fundamental contradiction: Wike's alleged support for President Tinubu while simultaneously occupying a leadership position within the opposition PDP.

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I don’t see my party as presently constituted challenging Tinubu with Wike as national leader. These are part of the contradictions, which if I’m not properly informed and explained to, I will leave the party. And I want to be quoted accurately.

Ulasi articulated his position during an interview on Arise TV, emphasizing the untenable nature of Wike's dual role. He questioned the strategic implications of such a situation, particularly concerning party unity and electoral campaigning. "Supposing I or somebody else emerges as the presidential candidate of PDP, what will he be doing as leader of the party? Will he attend our convention? Will he attend our rallies? Or will he be going to that of APC? So that is the problem Wike has to explain," Ulasi stated, highlighting the potential for internal conflict and confusion.

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I told Wike when last we met that you cannot be the national leader of PDP and then be supporting President Ahmed Tinubu. That is very unconstructive.

The PDP stalwart's frustration is palpable, as he indicated a willingness to depart from the party if the perceived contradiction is not satisfactorily resolved. His deep-rooted connection to the PDP, tracing back to its founding, makes his reluctance to leave evident, yet he insists on clarity and consistency within the party's leadership. This internal dissent reflects broader anxieties within the PDP about its direction and its ability to present a united front against the ruling party, particularly given the complex political dynamics involving key figures like Wike.

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Supposing I or somebody else emerges as the presidential candidate of PDP, what will he be doing as leader of the party? Will he attend our convention? Will he attend our rallies? Or will he be going to that of APC? So that is the problem Wike has to explain.